The court appearance of two Italians charged with attempted murder after an attack on English football fans in Rome has been delayed until Sunday, police said.

At least 11 Spurs fans were injured in the attack at 1am on Thursday as up to 50 hooligans stormed the Drunken Ship pub armed with knuckle dusters, baseball bats, knives and broken bottles.

Essex builder Ashley Mills, 25, was most seriously injured sustaining stab wounds to his leg and head. He was taken to San Camillo Hospital and was under observation today after having surgery yesterday but is not in a life-threatening condition.

He is expected to remain in hospital for at least the next 24 hours, the police spokesman said.

Mr Mills and his fellow Spurs fans were enjoying a drink ahead of the club's Europa League tie against Lazio when the Ultras - right-wing, hooligan fans - stormed the pub. Fans scrambled to safety as the pub was smashed up in the chaos.

Police have said two fans of Roma, the city's other Serie A side, Francesco Ianari, 26, and Mauro Pinnelli, 25, have been charged with attempted murder.

Mr Mills described the horrifying attack, telling the Evening Standard his attacker "came out of nowhere". He added: "I didn't see the guy who stabbed me. There were too many of them."

Mr Mills said there was a good atmosphere in the bar, where everyone was having a few drinks before everything turned sour. He added: "I was standing outside drinking and the next thing I knew there were loads of them.

The president of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) sent a letter of apology to English FA chairman David Bernstein.

Giancarlo Abete said in a statement: "Once again, football has given a handful of delinquents the excuse to take out their racist and anti-Semite anger. There is evidence of this undoubted motive, which is detrimental to the image of Italian football and doesn't match with the traditional hospitality and welcome of the city of Rome."